Post puller

ABSTRACT

This invention describes a fence post puller which is made in two parts. The first part comprises a base plate which is set on the ground. There are two spaced horizontal rollers with parallel axes fastened to the base plate. In use the plate is aligned so that the line joining the centers of the two rollers will intersect the position of the fence post. The second part comprises a semicircular frame which is adapted to place on the rollers and to rotate about its own center. There is a long lever which is attached to the frame, which is an extension of the diameter in a first direction. At the other end of the diameter is a hinged link which is adapted to be attached rapidly to the fence post. When the link is attached to the post and the handle is pulled down, the frame rotates in the rollers, lifting the fence post.

United States Patent 91 King Dec. 18, 1973 POST PULLER Attorney.lames R. Head et al. [76] lnventor: Jack E. King, 6326 E. Third St.,

Tulsa, Okla. 741 12 57 ABSTRACT [22] F'led: 1972 This invention describes a fence post puller which is [21] A 1 N ;280,092 made in two parts. The first part comprises a base plate which is set on the ground. There are two spaced horizontal rollers with parallel axes fastened to the [52] US. Cl 254/30, 254/132, 254/131 base plate In use the plate is aligned so that the line [51] TIE. j g the Centers of the two rollers will intersect the [58] Field of Search 254/30, 94, 13], position of the fence post The second part comprises 254/132 l a semicircular frame which is adapted to place on the rollers and to rotate about its own center. There is a [56] References C'ted long lever which is attached to the frame, which is an UNITED STATES PATENTS extension of the diameter in a first direction. At the 892,236 6/1908 Eubank 254/132 other end of the diameter is a hinged link which is l,22l,7l2 4/1917 Elzy et al.... 254/13l adapted to be attached rapidly to the fence post. 9 3/1960 Majors 254/132 When the link is attached to the post and the handle is 1,075,883 8/l9l3 Warren 254/l32 Primary Examiner-eOthell M. Simpson Assistant ExaminerRobert C. Watson pulled down, the frame rotates in the rollers, lifting the fence post.

3 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures POST PULLER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There have been a number of different designs of fence post pullers provided in the prior art. Many of these have particular advantages and others have particular disadvantages. In this invention many of the weaknesses of the prior art devices are overcome. The design involves two parts which are entirely separate. Instead of having two hinged parts as in much of the prior art this design involves a first part which comprises a base plate'which is set on the ground. There are -two horizontal rollers spaced apart with parallel axes.

The main pulling part comprises a semicircular frame which is adapted to rotate on these rollers. At one end of the diameter of the semicircle is an extension which is a hand lever, at the other end of the diameter is a hinged link, which is adapted to be attached to the fence post. This is normally attached close to the bottom of the fence post which places the hand lever high in the air. As the lever is pulled down the frame rotates on the two rollers and the link is raised, and with it the fence post. I

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view of an alternative design of the pulling link.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, the fence post puller is made in two parts, the first part, indicated generally by the numeral and a second part indicated by a numeral 12. The second part forms a base on which the first part is supported.

The base part 12 comprises a base sheet 18 with frames 24 and 25 welded to it, each frame supporting a roller and 22 respectively, which rotate about axes 21 and 23, respectively. The axes are parallel.

The first part 10 comprises a semicircular frame comprising a rim 30 bent in a circle and a diameter bar 32 with a stiffening radial rib 34, which may conveniently be a small pipe section. At one end of the diameter bar 32 is a socket 36 into which can be placed a pole, or hand lever 38, which may conveniently be a pipe. At the other end of the diameter bar is a bracket 40 welded to the bar. This bracket supports a hinged link 42' by means of a bolt 48. The link comprises a circular ring 42 having a central opening 44 which is larger than the diameter of the post which it is expected to pull.

In use, the base plate is lined up with the post so that a radial line from the post passes over the centers of the two rollers. The frame is then placed on the rollers, the link having been slipped over the top of the post. The design of the link is such that as a pull is provided on the lever 38, the frame will rotate on the rollers, lifting the hinge pin 48, causing the link to drop downward and to bind the pipe in its opening. As the hinge 48 is lifted, the link will more strongly grasp the post and lift it.

In FIG. 4 is shown a variation of a link which is shown as a complete ring 42 in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4 the ring is of heavier construction 50 and has a side opening 54 leading to the central opening 52. The opening 54 is just wide enough to slip over the side of the post which will then be bound by the edges 55 and 56, of the C-type link.

If desired, links of different size-openings can be provided and can rapidly be installed by removing the bolt 48 and placing the new link into position. Also the handle or lever 38 can be demounted from the semicircular frame so that for stowing and carrying purposes, the frame breaks down into three simple parts. A simple bar-type handle 19 can, of course, be provided for carrying the base portion 12.

While the expression fence post puller is used herein to describe a common use of the invention, it is apparent that the invention may be used to pull any type of driven post, whether the post is used to support a fence, a sign, or any other purpose.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity it is manifest that many changes may be made in the details of construction and the arrangement of components. It is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein by way of exemplifying the invention, but the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element or step thereof is entitled.

What is claimed:

1. A post puller, comprising:

a. a base plate placed in contact with the earth and carrying two spaced rollers with parallel axes, said plate positioned so that said rollers are on a radial line through the fence post to be pulled;

b. a semicircular frame placed on said rollers;

c. a hand lever extending in one direction along a first end of the diameter of said frame; and

d. means to clamp said frame to said post at the second end of said diameter; whereby when said clamp means is attached to said post, and said lever is pulled down, said frame will rotate on said rollers and lift said post.

2. The post puller as in claim 1 in which said means to clamp comprises a link hinged to said frame, said link having an opening larger than the diameter of said post.

3. The post puller as in claim 2 in which said link is cut away on one side of said opening, forming a C shaped link. 

1. A post puller, comprising: a. a base plate placed in contact with the earth and carrying two spaced rollers with parallel axes, said plate positioned so that said rollers are on a radial line through the fence post to be pulled; b. a semicircular frame placed on said rollers; c. a hand lever extending in one direction along a first end of the diameter of said frame; and d. means to clamp said frame to said post at the second end of said diameter; whereby when said clamp means is attached to said post, and said lever is pulled down, said frame will rotate on said rollers and lift said post.
 2. The post puller as in claim 1 in which said means to clamp comprises a link hinged to said frame, said link having an opening larger than the diameter of said post.
 3. The post puller as in claim 2 in which said link is cut away on one side of said opening, forming a ''''C''''-shaped link. 